Captain
Leo C. Wilder was
born January 17, 1895, in Wilmington, Vermont. He attended the
University of Vermont through his sophomore year studying civil
engineering. He was appointed as a Deck Officer on November
26, 1915. Captain Wilder was one of the original U.S. Coast
and Geodetic Survey officers. He was appointed an Aid on June
30, 1917.

During World War I, Captain Wilder was transferred to the U.S.
Navy and served on several ships in both the Atlantic and the
Pacific Ocean areas. He was awarded the Victory Medal during
World War I.

Captain Wilder returned to the Coast and Geodetic Survey on
February 26 1918, serving as Junior Hydrographic and Geodetic
Engineer until he resigned on November 6, 1919. He was reappointed
as an aid on July 23, 1921, and served until he retired on December
1, 1949. During his career his assignments included being assigned
aboard Ships: HYDROGRAPHER, EXPLORER as Executive Officer, PATTERSON,
SURVEYOR as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, DERICKSON
and the WESTDAHL as Commanding Officer. Captain Wilder was licensed
as Unlimited Master, Any Ocean. Captain Wilder's other assignments
included triangulation, Coast Pilot, Field Parties, and Instructor
for the U.S. Army Engineers.

During World War II, Captain Wilder was transferred to the jurisdiction
of the War Department to serve with the U.S. Army. He served
under the Engineering Amphibian Command and was awarded the
Defense Service Ribbon, the Pacific War Zone Ribbon and the
Meritorious Service Ribbon.